Into The Great Wide Open…
Ayesha G. Shenk, M.A.
Live Meaningfully – By Ayesha G. Shenk, M.A.
April is derived from the Latin word “aperit,” which means “to open.” April brings with it the dawn of spring and the hope of new beginnings…
What a most welcome thought, especially this year.
As the weather continues to warm and the world begins to embrace a new normal, vaccinations seem more readily available and the promise of a new day and a re-opening appears imminent. April and this spring feel perhaps more alluring than they ever have before. No matter what your belief or political proclivity, I think we can all agree that it’s been a difficult year… with far too much loss.
So what will this ‘brand new day’ look like? Will we bring with us the hard fought lessons learned? Will we throw caution to the wind after too long in hibernation? Will we remember the good, or stew on the bad? Will we greet one another (both literally and figuratively) in a way that indicates just how much we’ve missed being together, or will it be every man for himself as a result of living in such an insular manner?
As time plays out and memories fade, what will the most salient truths we’ve learned end up being?
I really don’t know the answer to this one…
I hope so much that we will take with us what we’ve learned about slowing down, about honoring health above all things, about thinking of and appreciating those who do the most for us, about making family central, about taking care of our elderly, about finding time to really see, know and play with our children.
I hope also that we’ll leave behind the fear, the loss, the trying to balance it all at all costs, the animosity towards those who are different, the political anxieties and divisions, the hurt, and the loneliness.
The last year has given us a lot of time for reflection and constriction… Perhaps this coming year can give us time for clarity and expansion.
May our hearts open, may our doors open, may this spring be the opening to a whole new experience of life, relationships, balance, and grace.
And now good morrow to our waking soules,
Which watch not one another out of feare;
For love, all love of other sights controules,
And makes one little roome, an every where.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let Maps to other, worlds on worlds have showne;
Let us possesse one world, each hath one, and is one.
– John Donne
‘Til the next time,
Be Well; Live Meaningfully.
Ayesha
Ayesha G. Shenk, M.A. practices at 2150 Park Avenue North as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and can be reached at www.livemeaningfully.net or 407-796-2959
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